1	Public Meeting Open House November 2, 2006
2	Meeting Goals Provide project background Why is the city doing this project on Spenard Road? Provide project update What is the project status? What have we learned from analysis to date? What we learned from our Citizens Advisory Group What is the engineer’s recommended solution? Receive input Public suggestions on recommended solution Site specific concerns and ideas
3	Project Background Where did project originate? What does project encompass? Will the project include landscaping and amenities for transit riders, pedestrians and bicyclists?
4	Project Background
5	Why Spenard Road? Public Safety Issues For motorists 392 reported crashes (1996 to 1998) 130 per year 839 reported crashes (1999 to 2005) 120 per year Spenard Road Crash Rate 12.45 crashes per million vehicle miles Arctic Blvd. 5.21 (4-lane) Fireweed Lane 7.03 (4-lane) Tudor Road 3.86 (5-lane with center turn lane)
6	Lane Reductions Improve Safety 15th Avenue BEFORE and AFTER Using 3 years of data Street Crash Rate per million vehicle-miles 15th Avenue 5.64 (before changes) 15th Avenue 3.07 (after changes) For comparison: the Spenard Road crash rate is 12.45 crashes per million vehicle-miles
7	North American Experience
8	Number of Lanes Current engineering guidance from American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Recommends: 2 lane roadways J 3 lane roadways (example Lower Spenard) J 5 lane roadways J (example Tudor, Muldoon) No longer recommends: 4 lane roadways without a median L -- due to safety concerns Bottom line -- new roads will have 3-lane, 4-lane divided, or 5-lane configurations
9	Why Spenard Road? Public Safety Issues City wide Anchorage experiences 220 bike/ped crashes per year Spenard Road experiences 8.6 bike/ped crashes per year 43 bike/pedestrian collisions (1998 to 2002) The city would be remiss if it did not consider this a problem to be solved.
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12	Other Spenard Road Goals/Needs Accommodate existing and future traffic Rehabilitation of pavement Upgrade utilities where needed Utilities undergrounding to be requested where appropriate Upgrade to ADA Standards Conform to Existing Plans (Areawide Trails Plan, Anchorage 2020)
13	Current & Future Vehicle Traffic
14	The problem…
15	No facilities for bicyclists throughout corridor
16	Spenard @ Chugach Way
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18	Left turn collisions at this driveway
19	Pedestrian use throughout corridor
20	Offset intersections throughout corridor
21	Sloping driveways throughout project corridor
22	Inadequate sidewalks and transit stops throughout the corridor
23	From Hillcrest Drive North
24	The opportunities…
25	Gateways and Entrances Identify entrances Begin to define character Build on landmarks
26	Lighting Unify area and define character Safety and security Color and seasons
27	Improved Transit Stops
28	The challenges… Working with a concerned business community on: Parking issues Customer access Construction access Minimizing impacts during construction The neighborhood continues to change Finding solutions to social problems
29	The solution… Reduce the number of lanes Reallocate space so the road is safer for all modes -- including pedestrians and bicyclists
30	Alternatives Considered
31	Alternatives Considered
32	Alternatives Considered
33	Alternatives Considered
34	Recommended Solution: Spenard Road (Except at Major Intersections)
35	Recommended Solution: Spenard Road (Except at Major Intersections)
36	The benefits… A safer road Calms traffic Accommodates most vulnerable citizens -- pedestrians and bicyclists Provides opportunities for beautification
37	Recommended Solution -- Spenard/36th/Minnesota Area
38	Minnesota Drive/Spenard Road Couplet Solves transportation network problem If we do nothing -- level of service “F” If we create the couplet -- level of service “D” The amount of time over 1 year a daily commuter driving through Minnesota/Spenard, would spend waiting at the intersection In 2028 without the improvement -- 25.6 hours/year In 2028 with the improvement -- 6.7 hours/year
39	What do we need from you? Your thoughtful review of the drawings Your comments about design specifics Specific locations Specific concerns -- for bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists Your suggestions for a theme for landscaping and amenities
40	Questions? Time for questions is limited. If we don’t get to your question, please ask a team member during the open house or write them on a comment sheet and provide contact information so we may respond.